The intended route, awarded by Philippines Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), for the newbuilding, is a rotation: Roxas, Mindoro – Caticlan – Odiongan – Batangas – Romblon, Romblon – Magdiwang, Romblon – Culasi, Roxas and vice versa.

“With the above route, Starlite Ferries through STARLITE RESILIENCE will contribute to the growth of the economy of Aklan and neighbouring provinces along the Western Nautical Highway all the way to Mindanao. STARLITE RESILIENCE will be an internationally-classed vessel (IACS) under Nippon Kaiji (NK),” Chelsea Logistics states in a press release.

Starlite Ferries operate mainly two classes of vessels on the Western Nautical Highway, an approx. 67-metre version and a larger approx. 98-metre version. Chelsea Logistics does not disclose which Japanese shipyard is behind STARLITE RESILIENCE, but the company's last four newbuildings, two in each version, have been delivered by Kure-based Kegoya Dock Co. in the period 2018 to 2020.

Chelsea Logistics President & CEO Chryss Alfonsus said: “The deployment of STARLITE RESILIENCE on this planned route will set the standard for other shipping operators with pioneering status in the area. In alignment with MARINA’s Pioneering Status guidelines, any operator opting to replace existing vessels will be required to deploy brand-new ships. This modernization initiative will ultimately benefit passengers and shippers through enhanced safety, comfort, and overall service quality.” 

Starlite Ferries General Manager Shane Anthony G. Arante added: “The launch of STARLITE RESILIENCE reflects our commitment to delivering not only modernized services but also operational excellence across our routes. By investing in more fuel-efficient vessels and streamlining turnaround times, we aim to enhance overall reliability and reduce environmental impact.” Starlite Ferries currently operates, prior to the delivery of the current newbuilding, another RoPax with the same name, the 2016-built STARLITE RESILIENCE.

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